Top smartphones of 2014

Samsung Galaxy S5

With high dynamic range resulting in amazing picture quality, the Galaxy S5's 16MP camera is its main feature. But of course, that's not all this brilliant phone has to offer. Samsung has also improved the phone’s durability and usability from its S4 predecessor, with improved resistance to dust and water. Its awesome apps include fitness-tracking abilities, which have been enhanced since the Galaxy S4, along with a dedicated heart rate monitor. Its fingerprint scanner makes this phone one of the most secure Galaxy phones ever created. Although its silver edge and Elastoplast-style back won't be of everyone's taste, the market for its use with companion products such as the Gear smartwatch and Gear Fit fitness band are growing, though relatively small. 

Dimensions:  142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm Screen:  5.5” Weight:  172g Storage: 1GB, Internal Memory: 16/64/128GB Processor:  Apple A8 Camera:  Front-facing: 8MP Rear-facing: 1.2MP

iPhone 6

No doubt about it, the iPhone 6 has a very pleasing design, and along with its user-friendly simplicity, it's one of the best phones to ever hit the market. It picks up where the 5s left off, with a larger 4.7-inch display, improved battery life, and a slimmer body than ever before (just don't bend it!). Although no one feature stands out, as they're all nothing short of astounding, Apple proved again that it can reinvent existing ideas into a whole new product.

Dimensions:  158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1 mm Screen:  5.1” Weight:  145g Storage:  2GB, Internal Memory: 16/32GB, microSD slot up to 128GB Processor:  Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 Camera:  Front-facing: 2MP Rear-facing: 16MP

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

The Galaxy S5's big brother is big news. This handset is 9% longer, 8% wider, and 5% thicker than the GS5, and it's certainly one of the very best large phones available on the market today. Its elegant design, robust build, and beautiful screen make it a device you'll be proud to whip out in public. From a productivity standpoint, it offers seamless multitasking and stylus functionality, and despite its large size, its comfortable to carry in one hand.

Dimensions:  153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm Screen:  5.7” Weight:  176g Storage: 3GB, Internal Memory: 32GB Processor:  Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 (SM-N910S), Exynos 5433 (SM-N910C) Camera:  Front-facing: 3.7MP, Rear-facing: 16MP  

Motorola Moto X

Although the Moto X name hasn't changed with its upgrade this year, this Android smartphone packs plenty of new specs. With a larger screen, a better camera, and useful first-party apps, Motorola's flagship phone is currently $99 on-contract, making it one of the best phones for its price.

Dimensions:  142.0 x 72.4 x 10mm Screen:  5.2” Weight:  144g Storage:  2GB, Internal Memory: 16/32GB Processor:  Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 Camera:  Front-facing: 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 pixels, autofocus, dual-LED flash

LG L3

LG stands out from the crowd with the LG L3. Well built with style, this phone comes equipped with a superb camera and fits well in the hand. Although not perfect, with its sharp dimensions, its one of the best phones on the market right now.

Dimensions:  146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm Screen:  5.5” Weight:  149g Storage:  MicroSD, up to 128 GB, internal memory 16 GB, 2 GB RAM/ 32 GB, 3 GB RAM Processor:  Qualcomm MSM8975AC Snapdragon 801 Camera:  Front-facing:2.1MP, Rear-facing:13.1MP

HTC One (M8)

Self-proclaiming itself as the best-designed Android phone on the market, this metal beauty comes with class like no other. Its interface is clean and useful, including clever ways to share photos and videos, and it has a great weather widget. Also eye-catching is the fact that the time is shown through the aerated front of the phone, instead of hiding the entire screen.

Dimensions:  146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4 mm Screen:  5” Weight  160g Storage:  16/32 GB, 2 GB RAM, microSD, up to 128 GB Processor:  Quad-core 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 801 Camera:  Front-facing: 5MP Rear-facing 4MP

iPhone 6 Plus

Oh, Apple. No wonder you have so many loyal followers. With the iPhone 6 Plus, Apple takes care of all battery life issues and provides a bigger screen. Though pretty much the same phone as the iPhone 6 despite some minor tweaks, this phone adds plenty of ways to make the most of its large screen, and another perk is a slightly better camera. Can't go wrong with that.

Dimensions:  158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1mm Screen:  5.5” Weight:  172g Storage:  16GB/64GB/128GB Processor:  A8 chip with 64-bit architecture Camera:  Front-facing:1.2MP Rear-facing: 8MP

Images via telegraph.co.uk